Road to ACL: The Playlist

I have been in festival withdrawal here in Austin, TX. My calendar is filled with countdowns to weekends of ACL, Utopia Fest and Fun Fun Fun Fest that promise to overwhelm me with music, thrills and adventures in the way only a great music festival can. In the month leading up to ACL, I will feature some of the artists I am most looking forward to (there are SO many!). I have also created a playlist to get you as excited as I am. I decided not to include every artist on this playlist because, to be honest, I'm not entirely in love with some of the bands (I'm looking at you, EDM). For real, some of it sounds like cats dying. I also didn't necessarily choose the top hits for each artist because that's what the radio is for (but sometimes I did pick those songs because they're just so damn good!). Enjoy!

Road to ACL: Alexander

With the igeneration bursting at the technological seams, music possibilities are endless. Want to start a band and don’t have the vocal chops? No worries, there’s an app for that! But it’s not just auto tune taking over. Stages these days are littered in ipads and mac book pros. I guess Alexander Ebert didn’t get the imemo.

Front man of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Alex is taking his music back to a primitive time, using his body for percussion, playing with his own vocal sounds, and even learned to play the violin. Every sound is Alex. Weaving his 60′s California sound with poetic lyrics, his music carries the same charm as his Magnetic Zeros band but scaled back and simplified. His music is hugs and sunny days. Catch him at ACL on Saturday.

Alexander by AlexanderEbert

Road to ACL: Young The Giant

Young The Giant numbers among the many bands that worked the SXSW circuit and now find themselves on the ACL list. This is a fun band that I caught at the Fader party during the fest and will definitely bring a fun, vibrant energy to the ACL stage. The group stems from a variety of backgrounds and their melting pot of influences is clear in the varied sounds they create. Sometimes beachy, other times leaning towards rock with jazz influences, this group is a fun one to catch.



12 Fingers by youngthegiant

Road to ACL: Smith Westerns

Smith Westerns have become the band I hate to love. I discovered their newest album, Dye it Blonde, back before its release when NPR was streaming it on their site and immediately dug it. This indie rock group has a fresh pop sound that weaves delicately throughout their album. They’re 90′s grunge meets indie pop.

Then I made the mistake of following them on twitter. While their young ages are masked by their musical talent on their album, their immaturity as a young group comes out in full force in 140 characters or less. Still, regardless of their obnoxious tweets, I can’t help but continue to love their music. They will be a fun group to catch at ACL on Friday.



Smith Westerns - Weekend by Vicente P

Road to ACL: The Secret Sisters

Today’s ACL preview is for The Secret Sisters. This duo have a sweet country Americana sound without being swallowed up in country crooning. These sisters are a perfect blend of harmonies and simple instrumentals. Their sound is timeless, rocking chair music with melancholy jazz undertones that I have fallen absolutely in love with. They will be taking the ACL stage on Friday.

Road to ACL: Abigail Washburn

There is so much great bluegrass music happening at this years ACL! I’d love to get a count of how many banjos end up taking the stage because I imagine it will be an impressive number. Today’s ACL preview is Abigail Washburn, banjo player and wife of banjoist, Bela Fleck. She is inspired by traditional Appalachian sounds, but also infuses east Asian sounds to create a unique blend. She will be a great act to catch at the festival, especially if her husband is along and feels compelled to jump on stage with her on Saturday.

Road to ACL: Cowboy and Indian

Cowboy and Indian is a local Austin band that started as a duo of Jazz Mills and Jesse Plemons (a favorite from Friday Night Lights), added Daniel James to become trio and have since added several more members to round them out. The group have a minimalist sound, relying on simple acoustics, harmonica, and haunting vocals. Jazz has a unique voice that lingers even after the song has ended. The additional members allow them beautiful harmonies while maintaining their original sound. It is easy to hear influences of country, folk and gospel in their music. Taking the ACL stage on Saturday, this will be a group worth catching.

Road to ACL: Chromeo

It’s hard to go wrong when “electro-funk” is your style and Chromeo artfully blend synth beats, vocals, autotune and retro ’70′s vibes to create an upbeat, fun, dance club sound. The duo look like a couple of nerds, but pull off a sound oozing in cool. Recently in Austin tearing up the SXSW party scene, Chromeo will be back for ACL on Saturday night. It is sure to be a party!

Road to ACL: Bright Eyes

Vetrans to the ACL fest , Bright Eyes will be back this year to grace the stage with their indie rock sound. Rumors are swirling that Conor Oberst will be dissolving Bright Eyes for new music adventures, so this will be a great chance to catch them perhaps one last time. Oberst is a passionate song writer and intense performer who mixes in occasional flavors of alt country and poetic lyrics with his indie rock vibe. Bright Eyes will be taking the ACL stage on Friday.

Road to ACL: Fitz and the Tantrums

With a vintage organ as their centerpiece, Fitz and the Tantrums burst on the music scene this year with their sweet soul sound. This five member group is  sweating jazz, energy and soul all over the stage and has reached success and popularity on their EP alone. Their album, Pickin’ Up The Pieces, out last month, is a celebration of soul and irresistibility. Each musician works their instruments beautifully creating a well choreographed and jazzy sound as a cohesive group. Fitz and the Tantrums is fun and dares you to hold back. I have been listening to them non-stop! They will be a must-see at ACL.

Road to ACL: City and Colour

Dallas Green is a singer/songwriter out of Canada with a distinctive and soulful voice. The name, City and Coulour derives from his own name (which is a city and a color). On the music scene for several years, Green has lent his talent and voice to several bands, including 5 albums with Alexisonfire, a heavy metal band.  Green’s music has a more soothing quality and blends acousic, alternative, and mellow rock sounds. A definite talent, City and Colour will take the ACL stage on Saturday.



City and Colour by VagrantRecords

Road to ACL: Wanda Jackson

Wanda Jackson, the Queen of Rock, is back on the scene with a new album produced by Jack White. I think my brother said it best as we stood watching her at Rachel Ray’s SXSW Party. “I mean, every artist has their breaking point. I’m sure Beethoven has a 10th symphony out there he’s not proud of.”

Wanda is no stranger to the music scene. She is a singer-songwriter who made it big during the 50′s and 60′s singing rockabilly and rock and roll tunes, earning herself the regal title. She’s back and rocking out the stage with that rockabilly sound at an impressive 74 years old. While her newest collaboration with Jack White may not have been either of their best moves, Wanda is a legend who brings a great sense of nostalgia with her. You can step back in time with her at ACL on Saturday.

Wanda Jackson - Funnel of love by wayneschlegel